Isuzu Southern Kings head coach Deon Davids expressed pride in his players after they earned a fighting losing bonus point during a 26-19 defeat to the Cardiff Blues.
On a wet and miserable night at Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff edged the Kings after the teams had been level 7-7 at the break in front of 5,312 fans.
It was a 15th defeat in 17 Guinness PRO14 outings for the Kings, who earlier lost to Munster and Leinster on their three-match European tour.
“We were very close and I am very proud of the effort the boys put in against the Blues,” Davids said.
“The Kings stuck to our game plan and we almost executed to perfection in these wet conditions. It was fantastic to see how much the team has grown.
“They adapted well to such extreme conditions and that shows the growth of both individuals and the group.
“There are things we can take forward when we come back to Europe in two weeks’ time to play Ulster.
“The Kings have an idea in terms of how we want to play. These conditions asked for a Test match approach.
“We are looking at individuals in certain positions and their ability and skill set.
“We are also looking at what is needed from a kicking game perspective and to execute that. That is starting to get through to the players.”
Davids said despite the inexperience of some squad members, the team were showing valuable growth.
“But we still have young players in certain positions.
“Bader Pretorius is a young guy playing only his third game at No 10 for us.
“Obviously there is some learning needed for that position, but I am very happy with the growth shown.
“I am also happy to see how other players have fitted in and stuck with the game plan and they were accountable in their roles and responsibilities.”
The Blues took the maximum points haul to keep their PRO14 playoff hopes alive.
The teams went into the break level at 7-apiece after the Kings’ Dries van Schalkwyk cancelled out Owen Lane’s ear- ly effort. The Kings took the lead early in the second half, but the Blues fought back.
Nick Williams and Olly Robinson both powered over the line to regain the lead before the bonus point was sealed with three minutes remaining, as Jason Harries slid over in the corner.
The ever-present Masixole Banda crossed for a consolation score for the visitors in the final play of the game.
The win means Cardiff Blues remain level on points with Connacht in Conference A, but the Galway-based team currently pip John Mulvihill’s side to third place on points difference, following a convincing win over Ospreys earlier in the day.
The Kings’ late score gave them a bonus point which enabled them to move off bottom spot of Conference B, moving past the Dragons, who have played a game less.